AA president Edmund King said the figures could relate to poorer public transport.

He added: "It could also be down to more targeted police enforcement, but whatever the reasons, there is no excuse for drink-driving."

The figures come with the annual crackdown on drink-driving over the festive period under way.

Separate figures published last week by the Institute of Alcohol Studies suggested the number of breath tests carried out on England's roads has fallen by 27% in five years as forces cut traffic officer numbers.

Jason Wakeford, director of campaigns for road safety charity Brake, said: "Drink-driving remains one of the biggest killers on our roads, causing devastation to families up and down the country.

"It is essential that police forces are provided with the resources they require to crack down on drink-drivers throughout the year."